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Moving to West Virginia

It's no wonder residents are so proud to call West Virginia home. West Virginia's spectacular mountains, swirling rivers and scenic countryside offer a welcome change of pace from the rush of everyday life. Here you will find welcoming cities full of entertainment and nightlife. From wild to mild, from five-star resorts to rustic retreats, those moving to West Virginia will quickly discover a state that has something for everyone.

Population: According to the U.S. Census, 1.9 million people reside in West Virginia.

Local Activities: History, geography, wildlife viewing and exciting outdoor adventures are just some of the West Virginia attractions that appeal to residence and visitors alike. With the sheer number of things to do in West Virginia, you are sure to find and create a lifetime of memories. Visit Valley Worlds of Fun, a family entertainment center dedicated to wholesome fun for kids of all ages. The center features seven acres of fun including 24 bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade, bumper cars, twister and bumper boats. The Capitol Music Hall is home to many forms of entertainment. From Jamboree USA on Saturday night featuring the biggest names in country music, to national Broadway productions, the Capitol Music Hall is a full entertainment complex. Appalachian Wildwaters, in Charleston, offers guided day and overnight whitewater rafting trips on the New River Gorge, Gauley River and Cheat River in West Virginia, as well as the Nolichucky River in Tennessee and the Upper Yough in Maryland, with this rafting company that also provides excursions in mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, and horseback riding. Finally, Lost World Caverns, a historic natural landmark, is the most spectacular formations in Eastern U.S. with dinosaur artifacts found on location. Gift shop, picnic area, RV parking, group rates and wild tours are all available to visitors.

Economy: Apples, peaches, corn, hay and tobacco are the principal crops of West Virginia, while broiler chickens, cattle and dairy products lead in market revenue. West Virginia has extensive natural resources; it is among the nation's leading producers of bituminous coal (although coal production has declined in recent years). Natural gas, cement, stone, salt, and oil are also important. Lumber has long been an important resource; about two thirds of the land is still forested, most of it in valuable hardwoods. Since the 1960s, a number of federal offices and facilities have been built in West Virginia, and government service is a growing employment sector.

State Bird: The cardinal is state bird.

State Tree: The sugar maple is the state tree.

State Flower: The state flower is the Rhododendron.

State Song: The state song is "West Virginia Hills." It was written by Ellen King.

West Virginia - Interesting Facts:

Mother's Day was first observed at Andrews Church in Grafton on May 10, 1908.

West Virginia is considered the southernmost northern state and the northern most southern state.

The first state sales tax in the United States went into effect in West Virginia on July 1, 1921. Nearly 75% of West Virginia is covered by forests.

West Virginia - Famous People:Many famous people are from West Virginia as well as those that reside there today. The baseball player George Brett and the gymnast Mary Lou Retton is from West Virginia as well as Pearl S. Buck, the author.